World No. 17 Frances Tiafoe captured the attention of the tennis world after he kicked off his Australian Open campaign in the most striking fashion.
Tiafoe claimed a 6-3 6-3 6-7 7-6 win over German Daniel Altmaier on day one of the tournament but it was his bold fashion statement that caught people’s attention.
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Tiafoe, who made the US Open semi-finals in a breakout performance last season and helped the US to victory in the inaugural United Cup, made waves with his psychedelic Nike look.
Far from Wimbledon where it made international headlines when the traditional home of tennis will finally let women wear black underpants this year, the Australian Open and the US and French Opens allow players to follow the fashions.
While other Nike athletes have opted for plain shorts or skirts with the colourful top or the colourful shorts and a plain top, Tiafoe went the whole hog.
Fellow American Coco Gauff said her countryman pulled the look off.
“It’s a lot going on but I feel like that’s Frances Tiafoe,” Gauff said.
“He has a lot going on. He’s never quiet, he’s always loud.
“I think the outfit represents that. Loud and proud, and I think that’s Big Foe.”
However, social media was somewhat divided on the look, although no one was sitting on the fence.
ESPN’s Zenia D’cunha tweeted: “Frances Tiafoe wins his first first-round match & the swag Slam kit contest in this fit at #AusOpen”.
Newscorp’s Emily Benammar called Taifoe’s outfit “glorious”.
Racquet Magazine’s Gaspar Ribeiro Lanca wrote: “What is Frances Tiafoe wearing?”
Sports reporter Jacob Cersomsimo added: “An all time outfit from Big Foe at the #AO2023”.